Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-AES6I4O-A AES3 Module with 6 inputs x 4 outputs w/ SRC 32kHz to 192kHz

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-DL-AES6I4O-A is a 6-input / 4-output AES3 digital audio interface card for dLive and Avantis mixing systems. Its input-favored configuration makes it the right choice when a dLive system must receive a high volume of AES3 digital sources — such as feeds from broadcast routers, digital stage boxes, external consoles, or multi-channel playback systems — while still providing four dedicated AES3 output feeds for monitoring, recording, or amplification. The 4 outputs support switchable sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz, and all 6 inputs include asynchronous sample rate conversion (SRC) from 32kHz to 192kHz.

Product Description

When a dLive or Avantis system functions as the receiving end of a complex digital signal distribution — gathering feeds from multiple AES3 sources while sending a smaller number of processed outputs downstream — the 6-in/4-out ratio of the AH-M-DL-AES6I4O-A provides the most input capacity of any card in the dLive AES3 option family. This positions it as the preferred card for console-combining scenarios, broadcast reception, and installations where the console serves as a central hub aggregating digital audio from multiple distributed sources.

All 6 AES3 inputs are equipped with sample rate conversion, which is critical in environments where multiple AES3 sources may arrive from devices operating at different clocks or sample rates. Recording systems at 44.1kHz, broadcast infrastructure at 48kHz, and high-resolution sources at 96kHz can all be accepted simultaneously without requiring external sample rate converters or a rigid system clock hierarchy. This makes the AES6I4O particularly practical in hybrid venues where the dLive system interfaces with both broadcast and installed AV infrastructure.

The 4 AES3 outputs provide simultaneous feeds to amplifiers, monitoring systems, or recording devices, with the flexibility to operate at a different sample rate than the inputs via the switchable output rate setting. This allows the card to translate received high-sample-rate sources to a standard output rate for downstream devices that require a consistent clock. Sync from the first AES3 input is available when the card's primary incoming source serves as the system clock reference.

Key Features

• 6 AES3 Inputs with SRC — Provides the highest input density of any dLive AES3 option card, with asynchronous sample rate conversion on all 6 inputs covering 32kHz to 192kHz.
• 4 AES3 Digital Outputs — Simultaneous output to four AES3 destinations — amplifiers, monitors, broadcast, or recording — with independently switchable sample rate.
• Switchable Output Sample Rate — 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz output, selectable independently from the input SRC operation.
• Sync from AES3 Input — Clock the dLive or Avantis system from the first AES3 input, enabling the console to follow an external digital master clock.
• dLive and Avantis Compatible — Installs into option card slots on dLive MixRack and Avantis systems.
• Centralized Console Configuration — All patching and routing managed in the dLive or Avantis console firmware with no external software.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast Reception Hub — Receive 6 channels of AES3 from a broadcast router, OB van, or transmission system while sending 4 processed outputs to on-air or monitoring destinations.
• Console Combining (Input Hub) — Aggregate AES3 feeds from multiple secondary consoles, effects processors, or remote stage boxes into the main dLive mix environment using the 6 inputs.
• Multi-Source Digital Playback — Accept 6 AES3 channels of playback from multiple media servers, playback systems, or DAW outputs with SRC managing clock differences automatically.
• Digital System Integration in Installed AV — Connect the dLive system as the central AES3 aggregation point in a building-wide digital audio distribution system, receiving from distributed sources and sending to amplifier zones.
• Recording Studio Integration — Receive 6 AES3 returns from a DAW or digital patchbay while sending 4 channels of mix output back to recording infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I choose the 6-in/4-out card over the 4-in/6-out or 2-in/8-out versions?

The AES6I4O is the right choice when the dLive system must receive a high volume of AES3 sources — from broadcast, external consoles, or distributed playback — while sending only a limited number of outputs. If more outputs are needed, consider the AES4I6O (4 in/6 out) or AES2I8O (2 in/8 out) variants.

Do all 6 inputs have sample rate conversion, or only some?

All 6 AES3 inputs include asynchronous SRC covering 32kHz to 192kHz. Every connected AES3 source can operate at a different sample rate without external conversion hardware.

Can this card be used to sync the dLive system to an external AES3 clock?

Yes. The option to sync from the first AES3 input allows the dLive or Avantis system to derive its clock from the connected source on input 1, making the console a slave to an external digital master.

Is the card compatible with Avantis as well as dLive MixRack?

Yes. The AES6I4O installs into option card slots on both dLive MixRack models and Avantis systems.

Can multiple AES3 cards of different types be installed simultaneously in the same dLive system?

Yes. Different AES3 card variants can be installed in separate card slots within the same dLive MixRack, subject to the available slot count and power budget of the specific MixRack model.

What connector type is used for AES3 on these cards?

AES3 (AES/EBU) connections use standard XLR connectors. Physical connector access depends on the dLive MixRack model and any associated breakout panels or port plates.